Search for Common Ground, Oslo, Norway [October 2014]

Situation:

Search for Common Ground is a non profit based in DC. Their mission is to end violent conflict around the world. They were at point in time where they were trying to save the campaign they had been working on for over a year; however, they weren’t getting the traction they needed. They asked The Global Brain to step in, help assess the situation and give them guidance for next steps.

Process:

We partnered with Common to lead a MBA or Maniacal Business Attack. We also strategically invited people from other industries to allow for different perspectives. Some of these companies were Spin Media, K8 Industridesign, Living Green Foundation and the UNDP. The rationale behind this approach is simply that diversity can bring about the most suitable solution for what you’re trying to solve.

Outcome/Result:

A strong, strategic thought for a movement that executed properly will allow for many campaigns over the years as well as the potential to capture a global audience and make a real difference in the world.

We had a Lab in November following the Oslo session and brought the team and some experts together to ideate around communication strategies and partnerships.

UN Millennial Campaign's My World Initiative [June 2014]

Situation:

UN Millennial Campaign for the My World Initiative was looking for a strategic advisor on the launch of the My World campaign.

Process:

We brought key players from the different organizations: UNDP, UN Millennial Campaign and London based Transformational Media Initiative to Boulder a four day ideation lab. We brainstormed their needs for the My World Initiative, talked through different approaches and had two full days of rapid prototyping sessions. We wanted them to prototype ideas around My World but also to really grasp an understanding for the technique so they could integrate into their campaign approaches and get a fresh perspective.One day was a one-on-one session with Tom Chi, the creator of Google Glass. The second day of prototyping we partnered with The Unreasonable Institute.

Outcome/Result:

We were able to expose the UN to our innovative thinking and process. They walked away from that weekend inspired by how powerful creativity can be, how useful rapid prototyping as a tool is and how it’s integral to the campaigns they are doing.